The good thing about inflammation is that it is an intricate part of the protective and healing systems of the body.  When we are injured, the body isolates the damaged area with inflammation.  With this process, the body uses white blood cells to remove damaged cells and simultaneously replaces these damaged cells.  Athletes are constantly breaking down cell structure when they work out or compete, and if properly nourished they replace these cells with stronger cells to cope with the increase in activity.  The same can be said in disease.  If bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites, or any other micro-organism invades our bodies and starts damaging cells, this same inflammatory process kicks in and destroys the invaders and the damaged cells replacing them with healthy cells.  This inflammatory process is designed to be very accurate with specialized killer cells that target foreign invaders, phagocyte cells that devour any foreign protein or waste by-products of cellular break down, and many more white blood cells with many different actions.  We were designed to thrive in a hostile environment.  The worst action you can take in this ‘tear down and replace’ system is taking anti-inflammatories.

The bad part of inflammation is when non- lethal substances trigger an immune or inflammatory response.  These are called anti-gens and are commonly seen in hay-fever and food allergies.  When you breathe through your nose, little nose hairs stop and trap foreign proteins into your mucus, then sending them out in a watery stream.  Thus, our nose “runs”, which is a protective mechanism.  If we take some drug to stop this running process and the offending invader stays in our sinus then the inflammation (histamine) process starts which blocks it from entering the body.  By taking anti-histamine medication it will then gain access into our inner body and since it is foreign our immune cells attack it and remember it, thus we become sensitized to it and react with each new contact.  Other proteins entering the digestive process are broken down into individual amino acids and other components absorbed through the G.I. tract and put back together as our protein.  This protein is then accepted by our immune system.  When we take pain killers that destroy our stomach lining, we allow foreign proteins direct access into our blood stream.  The immune system attacks these food proteins making us allergic to that particular food.  This can also happen with the use of anti-biotics.

The ugly part of inflammation occurs when foreign proteins are injected into our bloodstream.  Foreign proteins, of course will be attacked by our immune cells.  If these proteins resemble proteins that we personally manufacture then the immune system can be triggered against our cells that make that similar protein.   When our own protective system is targeted against our own cells we end up with what is called an auto immune disease.  In the creation of vaccines the target bacteria or virus is grown on animal tissue.  The problem is that the final product contains that animal tissue, because it cannot be separated from the serum.  These proteins in this animal tissue can be very close to human proteins, especially if primates are used to make the vaccines.

In conclusion when we have good inflammation we need to help the body do its work, not fight against the natural process by taking anti-inflammatories.  In helping we should give the nutrients necessary to repair damaged tissues.  Along with fresh vegetable juices we would use Dr. Christopher’s amazing Complete Tissue and Bone formula capsules internally.  This same formula, in massage oil, would also be applied liberally over sore areas to help further repair the damage.  This would be followed by the powerful Cayenne Ointment to help with the heat process and to relieve pain.

When we have the ‘bad part of inflammation’ we want to help the body discharge the antigens.  Dr. Christopher’s Nose ointment will help drain the contaminants.  Also we can boil a pot of water, take it off the heat, spray in Dr. Christopher’s MPR essential oil formula and breathe in the steam and oils to open up and drain out the offenders.

With both the ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ inflammation we would use Dr. Christopher’s highly effective Immune Calm formula to lessen the unnecessary attack mode on its own cells, while not compromising its protective effectiveness.  This would be followed with the repair formula Complete Tissue and Bone.  For best results, the dosage on both of these formulas would be a minimum of 5 capsules 5 times a day for two weeks and then label dosage thereafter.  In my 30 + years as an Herbalist I have never seen anything as effective for allergies and auto-immune diseases as these two formulas.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. He also co-hosts the popular radio show “A Healthier You” and is a popular international teacher and lecturer.

Bookmark to:

This book answers most questions for anyone in the helping or healing profession. The book gives you guidelines on how to steer clear of legal trouble. It teaches how your thoughts, words and deeds can affect your legal status. There are certain words that are reserved for licensed practitioners only. Learn what they are and what to say instead.

There are tips on how to present yourself and your practice to clients and the public in a professional manner. If you are uncertain on how to set up your practices, options are given along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. This will help you determine the best path for you and your business. 

Laws and their purposes are discussed so that there is an understanding of the legal environment in which we live and work. You will know your rights and obligations under the laws as a practitioner. The book describes how to create and use consent, disclaimer and disclosure forms as well as including samples.

Should problems arise, advice is given on how to handle legal issues and how to speak with legal authorities. The book also discusses your rights under the Ninth Amendment. 
                                                                                                                                  

Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners is a power packed, 136 page book that is full of revealing keys that will lead your practice to success. It is a must have for anyone in the natural healing field.

To order Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners visit Christopher Publications Online Book Store

Bookmark to:

We get many requests for testimonials so I would like to share with you where you can find them and invite you to share yours with us so others can benefit from your successes.
On The Herbal Legacy website www.herballegacy.com you can type “testimonials” in the search bar and then pick the one you want to read. You can also click on the tab “Ailments and Programs”, or “Single Herbs“, select the one you want and then scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will find the testimonials for that ailment or herb. Here is a sample from the single herb list: 
 

Cayenne
Deep Cut: A person in our audience told how he had cut deeply with a sharp instrument the inside of his hand, fingers and palm. The blood spurted out in streams. He poured a large amount of cayenne pepper into the wound, and within seconds the blood flow slowed down to congealed dripping and the bleeding stopped entirely before many seconds had passed. With a goodly amount of cayenne covering the wound, he then wrapped it. He was so excited about the rapid results he could hardly wait for the regular herb meeting. But, as he said, the “punch line” was lost, because instead of a nasty ragged scar to show how severely he had been hurt, the area was healed and there was no scar.

The School of Natural Healing website www.schoolofnaturalhealing.com has a link on the left hand side “Testimonials about The School of Natural Healing” here is one from there.

I have an 8 year old daughter, Katie, who has Down Syndrome. She has suffered chronic ear and sinus infections for years. We were constantly in the doctor’s office for another round of antibiotics. I knew that they were harsh on the body and was extremely concerned for her. One day I expressed my concern to her pediatrician that there must be something we could do to strengthen her immune system or eliminate something from her diet. I was laughed at and told it was just the lot Katie had been given and she would always be sick. I was furious.
I looked around for an alternative, signed up for the School of Natural Healing and Katie has not been back to any doctor in almost a year. We have all but eliminated milk from her diet and when she does start in on a sinus or ear infection we start her on Dr. Christopher’s Infection Formula and Kid-e-Mune and the results are immediate.

We also have people who email them in. Here is part of one that we recently received:

Hypothyroidism
This began when I passed the mirror one day and noticed a big lump on my throat.
Everyone encouraged me to go to the doctor’s and have it checked. They verified it was a goiter. Nurse Carol told me that if I did not take the prescription for Levothyroxine, I would die! (How’s that for terrorizing patients!)  She said my heart would enlarge and I would develop an enlarged heart and cardiovascular disease.  I continued to say thank you but no thank you.  She felt the goiter and said it felt like a “simple” goiter.  She could detect no nodules or lumps.  She insisted I at least take the prescription home.
I did.  I looked it up in the Drug Formulary.  The first side effect was 13% bone mass loss.  My mother took this drug and developed osteopenia very quickly.  The second side effect was, can you believe it, cardiovascular disease!!  So, I was darned if I did, and darned if I didn’t.
I called David Christopher and told him about it.  He asked me how I felt about it.  I told him there was no way I was going to take that medicine!  He said “then let’s get started”.
Some of the suggestions he made were:

I love reading and hearing about the wonderful healing that goes on with people. I know life is much better when we are healthy. Please send us some of your successes. You can reply to this newsletter or send them to registration@snh.cc. We would love to hear from you.

Have a Healthy and Happy Day!

Doreen Spackman is a Master Herbalist graduate and employee of the School of Natural Healing.

Bookmark to:

Think of some major muscles in the body, you may come up with muscles such as the bicep, hamstring or quadriceps. These are well known surface muscles. A muscle that is very important to our overall health, and often never heard of, is the psoas muscle (pronounced so-as). The psoas runs through the pelvic bowl, down over the front of the hip joint, and attaches at the top of the femur (thigh bone). It is the only muscle connecting the spine to the leg.

The psoas is critical for balanced alignment, proper joint rotation, and full muscular range of motion. A constricted psoas can often cause low back pain, knee strain or exhaustion. A chronically tightened psoas continually signals to the body that you are in danger because the physical tension triggers the fight or flight response from the nervous system. This constant tension will eventually exhaust the adrenal glands and deplete the immune system.

 The psoas is traditionally considered a hip flexor. Hip flexors are muscles that bring the trunk and leg closer together. Also a posture stabilizing muscle, the psoas assists in straightening the lumbar (lower spine). In actions where one side contracts and not the other, the psoas aids in bending to the side.

Since the psoas is a muscle of flexion, exercises that incorporate those kinds of moves are said to strengthen it. A good exercise is the standing lunge.

Lunge By Steps:
1-    Stand with your legs parallel and a straight posture; your tailbone pointing toward the floor, the top of your head reaching for the sky, and your shoulders relaxed.
2-    Bend your right knee and step straight back with your left leg onto the ball of your foot. Go as far as you are comfortable, but don’t let your right knee (front leg) bend past your toes.
3-    Keep your hips even. Think of your hip bones as headlights that have to point forward. Your chest is open, slightly lifted to the sky and your gaze is straight ahead.
4-    Rest your hands on your right knee for stability.
5-    Straighten your back leg, but don’t lock your knee. Let the lift come from the hamstring (back of the leg). Now, if you feel steady, increase the stretch*. But don’t do it by sagging into the left hip (common mistake).

*The way to increase the stretch is to keep your lower ribs and hip bones in the same plane and pull up through the core of the body and abdominal muscles to bring the pelvis up and back, opening the front of the hip joint. Use your abs in a way that feels like you are scooping your tailbone between your legs. This will help protect your lower back.

6-    Hold the stretch about 30 seconds as you breathe deeply. You might think of it as breathing “into the stretch”.
7-    Release the stretch by supporting some weight on your hands and stepping the back foot forward to parallel legs position.
8-    Repeat on the other side.

A healthy functioning psoas guides the transfer of weight from the trunk of the body to the legs.   It provides a diagonal support through the trunk, forming a shelf for the vital organs of the abdominal core. In walking, a healthy psoas assists the joints in moving freely and joins with the diaphragm in massaging the spine as well as the organs, blood vessels, and nerves of the trunk, stimulating the flow of fluids throughout the body.  A healthy psoas contributes to the sensations of feeling grounded and centered in the body which creates a sense of relaxation and calm that can affect your total well-being.

Mishelle Knuteson is certified in Rapid Eye Technology (RET) an emotional release therapy, teaches classes in The Art of Feminine Presence and a Master Herbalist ~ graduate of The School of Natural Healing. Mishelle currently works as an Educative Master Herbalist (MH) for The School of Natural Healing and as Office Manager of Christopher Publications.

Bookmark to:

By Katherine “Kat” Drovdahl MH, CR, DipHIr, CEIT - Oregon

Book review by Christopher Publications

Have you ever wondered how much herb or essential oil you can use or apply to the creature members of your family? Or wish you understood more about husbandry practices for your pets, poultry, exotics or other farm stock? Wonder no longer. You CAN learn how to be an excellent creature herbalist! Kat, a lifetime pet, livestock, poultry and horse owner, has demystified the area of animal herbalism by carefully taking the beginning to advanced creature owner as well as those new or advanced in the world of herbs or essential oils and applying these to the benefit of your beloved companions. Careful thought is given in this book to lay a clear foundation for you, so that you can learn not only what you might do in easy to very difficult (even ‘incurable’) situations, but also WHY you are doing so, in order to help you grow in your confidence and skill as an herbalist. Kat also shares when you should consider calling on your veterinarian. How to use this book with your human family is also considered. She discusses herbs, essential oils, Dr. Christopher products, and her company’s products to give you opportunities to work with what you might have on hand. So whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, like using products, or are somewhere in between, this book can be a helpful resource.

A Vitalistic approach is taken which will help you assess the cause of the situation you are facingso that you can do much better than just try to cover up symptoms. You will learn how to assist the body to heal itself whatever the problem’s cause may be. Spiritual, physical, environmental, and emotional aspects are all considered as you seek to help your creatures to abundant wellness. Kat shares many easy to follow stories of actual experiences in order to help the reader understand the body’s process as it moves towards wellness. Twenty eight chapters and 515+ pages cover many topics, including herbal foundations, husbandry, supplements and feed, dosage, methods of herb or essential oil administration, creating a garden for use with your creatures, breeding, preparation & gestation, creature midwifery, raising baby animals to their greatest genetic potential, parasites, exhibiting creatures, poisons, senior or failure to thrive creatures and several chapters on different systems and organs in the body and their care. You can obtain your copy right away from Christopher publications. http://www.christopherpublications.com/APELH.html

Kat’s hope for you is that through this book you and your creatures will be fully, fully blessed.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the MH ladies in The School of Natural Healing office (Jo, Mishelle, Doreen and Yvonne) and David Christopher MH for their support and encouragement while working on this project. All of you are such a BLESSING! Thank-you!!!

Kat Drovdahl is a Master Herbalist graduate of The School of Natural Healing. She also is a Certified Reflexologist, a Diplomate of Holistic Iridology, a Certified Equine Iridology Technician and has International Certification in Aromatherapy. She and her husband are ‘owned’ by their LaMancha dairy goats, guardian dogs, a barn cat, some poultry and their Norwegian Fjord horses.

Bookmark to:

The International Herb Association has named Rose the herb of the year for 2012. Rose is one of the herbs on the School of Natural Healing’s 100 herb list.

Rose petals have long been used as an infusion, used for the cooling and astringent properties, in the relief of uterine and other hemorrhages, and as an application to ulcers affecting the mouth, ears, anus, etc. The fresh bruised petals were applied to inflammations of the eyes. Rose buds are said to be one of the safest and most widely used eyewashes, acting as a mild astringent, giving tone to the tissues and shrinking capillary inflammations and redness. The petals are mildly astringent and slightly laxative; they are considered a good nightly antidote to take for sluggish bowels.

Rose hips are a good source of vitamin C. They are said to have twenty five percent more vitamin C than an orange. They help to fight infection and have a diuretic effect. When gathering rose hips, it is best to wait until after the first frost. The vitamin C content rises considerably after that first nip. Refrigerate them unless you plan to process them immediately.  If you wish to dry them, do so in a dehydrator below 135 degrees. Don’t let them dry too slowly or you will lose the C content, but don’t let them get hot or the “C will flee” away.

In the book Herb Syllabus by Dr. John R. Christopher, it tells us that the Rose is a symbol of love. The bridal rose is the symbol of wedded bliss. The cabbage rose is the ambassador of love, and a rose sent daily to a person communicates that you aspire to his/her smile. The damask rose communicates admiration for a beautiful complexion. A deep red rose lets someone know that you are embarrassed about something you did. A single rose communicates simple love. A thorn-less rose means that you began to love someone early in your relationship. A withered rose means that your love is decreasing or that you are jealous. White and red roses given together suggest that you wish to enhance unity. A rosebud when red means that you think someone is pure and lovely, while a white one communicates girlhood love and a moss-colored rosebud means that you are confessing your love.

Looking over that list, I hope none of you sent the wrong message with the roses you sent for Valentine’s Day.

Bookmark to:

Growing up on the American diet most of us aren’t aware of the best way to prepare grains, nuts and seeds so our bodies can utilize the nutrients. We grew up thinking white flour bread was beautiful and delicious, nothing could be better, especially home baked bread. Today many have evolved to think whole wheat bread is the best option and who can deny that hot, homemade, whole wheat bread, fresh out of the oven tastes great? But this reminds me how Dr. Christopher taught that you can’t expect to grind wheat to face powder, cook it at high temperatures and think it will rebuild and nourish the body. “Dead food begets death.”  Live foods give life! Proper preparation will nourish and rebuild our bodies.

Whole grains that have been processed at high temperatures are extremely toxic. Are there any puffed grains or flat flakes in your whole grain breakfast cereal? These are not only void of nutrients but hard to digest. These highly processed whole grains also affect the blood sugar and destroy the enzyme phytase that aids in the breaking down of phytic acid.

 Nature has placed phytic acid in the bran of whole grains and also enzyme inhibitors to protect grains for long time storage. If the grains are not pre-soaked or fermented before consumption the phytic acid combines with other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc and inhibits their assimilation in the body, which can lead to mineral deficiencies and eventual bone loss.

Sprouting, overnight soaking and fermenting the grains helps to neutralize nature’s protection of phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. This in essence starts the digestive process giving us the ability to properly break down the grains, nuts, and seeds making it possible for our bodies to receive the minerals and nutrition within them. Soaking seeds in warm water also promotes growth of the beneficial enzymes which increase vitamin and mineral content, favorably B vitamins.

Gluten is a protein in grains that is hard to digest. It taxes the digestive system. Those grains containing gluten; barley, oats, rye, and wheat should especially be sprouted, soaked, or fermented. Currently numerous people have allergies to grains, nuts, and seeds but with the proper preparation of these foods many have tolerated them just fine.

Throughout history previous cultures sprouted, soaked, and fermented grains, nuts and seeds. An example of this is in the Old Testament when “pulse” was eaten by Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. This gave them amazing health benefits.

Some cultural examples of historic grain preparation include: Mexican pozol (corn cakes) which are fermented for a few days and can be for up to two weeks using banana leaves. When making injera (bread) Ethiopians fermented teff (grain) for several days. Oriental and Latin American countries fermented rice before using. In India idili (rice and lentils) fermented for two days or longer. African corn was soaked overnight before adding it to dishes. They also used millet or corn to make a sour porridge. In Europe, grains were soaked overnight or longer before serving as cereal or porridge and their bread was made from sourdough starters. American pioneers also made sourdough breads and the Welsh soured a porridge made from oats.

There are many books available on sprouting for the different grains, nuts and seeds. It is best to soak grains and the larger nuts and seeds for at least 24 hours or more.  To ferment them use lemon juice or a good apple cider vinegar from the health food store that contains the friendly flora or “mother”.  A little in the soaking water will suffice. (see recipe below)

I have witnessed in my own health and others how these simple changes in our food preparation will improve your health. Increased energy and vitality will be yours!

Yvonne Lunt Salcido is a Student Advisor for and a Master Herbalist Graduate of the School of Natural Healing. She is a current student at Utah Valley University majoring in Health and Wellness Education.

Bookmark to:

Liza Doolittle, in the play My Fair Lady, dreamed of a wonderful life of eating chocolate daily.  Marketers update this fantasy by promoting freedom from coronary heart disease and controlling weight by consuming this delicacy on a daily basis.  They draw from positive, yet observational studies that point to cardiovascular health benefits.  In the British Journal of Medicine (August 2010) researchers analyzed seven studies, which included over 100,000 people.  Conclusions were drawn showing a 37% lower risk of heart disease in those who ate the most chocolate as compared to those, in the study that ate the least amount of chocolate.  Also they were 29% less likely to die from stroke.  In other studies chocolate has been shown to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, decrease insulin resistance, reduce platelet aggregation and improve coronary flow velocity.

Although these observational studies do not address the cause of the results, we can make our own speculation by studying the components of cocoa (Theobroma cacao). This herb has polyphenol compounds which contribute to its cardiovascular actions.  The flavonoids increase the production of nitric oxide, which calms and dilates blood vessels.  The effects of anti- oxidants reduce oxidative stress.  Intracellular calcium increases, endothelial estrogen receptors are activated, and endothelial progenitor cells increase resulting in activation of repair mechanisms for damaged vascular tissue.

There are many studies that contradict the referenced studies.  Some of these contradictions occur as a result of the processing.  Manufacturers know that Americans do not like the taste of bitter so their main objective is to remove bitter compounds.  The problem is that most medicinal compounds are bitter, as are flavonoids.  So with the success of processing out the bitter, these companies eliminate all health aspects of cocoa.

Additional facts: 

•     Generally dark chocolate has more flavonoids than milk chocolate.
•     Do not be fooled by cocoa content (70% etc.) it depends on the processing.
•     Do not worry about the saturated fat content of pure chocolate; the cocoa butter is mainly stearic acid which has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol.
•     Milk chocolate depends on added milk fats which are not good for your heart.
•     Cocoa powder has the most flavonoids unless it is “Dutch” cocoa which has gone through an alkali process that destroys these beneficial compounds.
•     Adding milk to cocoa blocks the absorption of the flavonoids.
•     Dark chocolate has about 20 milligrams of caffeine per ounce.
•     Chocolate liquor is neither liquid nor alcoholic, it refers to its’ cocoa content (half cocoa solids and half cocoa butter).
•     White chocolate has no cocoa, consisting of flavorings, sweeteners and the cocoa butter content (which allows it to be called chocolate) usually has been “deodorized” to remove any bitter flavor (medicinal compounds).

When you find the purest, most medicinal yet tasty chocolate, keep in mind that it is not a food but is a treat that is healthy.  Rely on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are all high in flavonoids and are the main foods we should be eating.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. David also co-hosts the popular radio show “A Healthier You” and is a popular international teacher and lecturer.  

Bookmark to:

Have you ever been unable to breathe well? What a desperate feeling! What an equally helpless and panicky feeling to watch as a small child or other loved one struggles to get breath to sustain life.
If you know what I am talking about you have probably been through the conventional route of treatments. Antibiotics, possibly inhalers, maybe even oral steroids like cortisone. Some people may wonder what is wrong with these conventional treatments.

Before getting into the natural herbal treatment of bronchitis, consider the regular drug treatments that are given. Medical textbooks say that you will find inflammation of the bronchial walls and/or spasm of the muscles surrounding the bronchioles when bronchitis is occurring. These can be brought about by infection or irritation to the area.

When we use antibiotics, we treat bacterial infection. If there is viral infection then antibiotics do no good at all. An antibiotic will not kill a virus. The antibiotic will also be useless if the bronchitis is due to an irritation - either chemical or allergic. Even if the condition starts with a bacterial infection, an antibiotic is not effective in getting rid of the inflammation or bronchial constriction. The only positive action of an antibiotic is to kill bacteria. Their side effects can range from mild digestive distress such a diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting to fungal infections, kidney damage, deafness, and even fatal anaphylactic shock. They are Russian roulette in a pill. I personally will not take them unless there is absolutely no other effective remedy for a situation. I have not found that situation yet.

Inhalers can be helpful as a temporary crutch in some types of bronchitis. They can contain a drug that relaxes the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes or a drug that reduces the swelling in the wall in the bronchial tubes. They also have side effects including increased blood pressure, nervousness, tremors, headache, bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock, oral thrush infection, and weakening of the muscles of the larynx. These are only a few of the problems reported. Among all drug treatments for bronchitis, these are the least harmful.
Oral steroids such as cortisone are drugs that treat only the inflammation (swelling) in the walls of the bronchial tubes. They do not do away with the cause of the swelling.  The side effects of these drugs would take a couple of pages. Among them are suppression of our own natural steroid production, disruption of the menstrual cycle, worsening of diabetes, acne, weight gain, fragile skin, depression, insomnia, osteoporosis leading to bone fractures, and so forth. In short, they can possibly ruin your health. There must be a better way!
I am so relieved that there IS a better way. One of the best remedies of which I am aware is a tea made from a combination of Mullein and Lobelia in a 3:1 ratio. When you hear this story, you will be able to understand my gratitude to our Creator for these herbs.
A few months ago I found out that my little grandson - going on three- had been sick with bronchitis for at least three weeks. Two rounds of antibiotics later he was still suffering. Mama and Papa were getting very little sleep as he struggled to get his breath. Brothers and sisters were irritable because they weren’t sleeping well either. My grandson looked bad. When I found out about this, I immediately went out to the farm and educated Mama on how to use these herbs. She did it. A tea of these herbs was made and applied to the chest. When I followed up with a phone call the next day I was told that he was breathing easily and all had slept better!

I hope that this makes life better for someone you love.

Jim Spalding is a Master Herbalist graduate of The School of Natural Healing. Speaking, writing, and individually teaching have become his way of advancing the health of this country. For questions and other help, contact can be made through his web site athttp://natural-healingwithherbs.com/.

Bookmark to:

There appears to be a reawakening to cultured and fermented foods. In the past, many people used fermentation to preserve food. Now we are recognizing the great health benefits that come from cultured and fermented foods. These types of foods contain the probiotics that the body uses to aid in digesting proteins and fats more efficiently. They improve the nutritional quality of food, protect us from disease causing organisms (like Candida Albicans) and they boost the immune system. These foods also create an environment that is inhospitable for pathogenic microorganisms (disease causing). Dr. Christopher was well aware that digestion is the foundation of health - that is why he recommended using vinegar in your daily regimen.

A vinegar-like drink that is re-emerging in popularity is Kombucha. The history of Kombucha is legendarily reported back to 220 BC by the Qin Dynasty for a Chinese emperor to use as an elixir. From there it spread throughout Asia. It is purported that in 414 AD a Korean named Dr. Kombu brought this famous tonic to an emperor in Japan and this is where the name was coined. Kombu for the doctor and cha is the Chinese name for tea. Kombu + cha = Kombucha. It has also been said that a “vinegary beverage” was carried into battle by Japanese warriors.

In China traditionally the grandmother cared for the “culture” and then it was passed down from mother to daughter. From China this tradition was spread to Russia and ultimately all of Europe until World War II where rationing made it difficult to find sugar and tea.

Like vinegar, Kombucha uses the same type of “mother” in the fermenting process. The “mother” also known as “culture”, “mushroom” or “baby”, is the colony of bacteria and yeast that works in harmony to convert the nutrient solution into Kombucha. An easy acronym for this culture is SCOBY.

SCOBY=
Symbiotic
Culture
Of
Bacteria &
Yeast

What makes Kombucha different from vinegar is the nutrient solution in which it is brewed. Vinegar uses apple cider where Kombucha uses sweet tea, specifically tea from the plant Comellia sinensis. All black, white, green, and oolong teas derive from the same plant. It is how they are processed that makes them different. The most common teas used in Kombucha are black and green teas. The reason for this is that many “teas” do not contain what Kombucha needs to brew successfully over time. Some plants that are used in herbal infusions lack the necessary nutrients the culture feeds on in the transformation process. Without some Comellia sinensis in the brew, the Scoby may be harmed by the essential oils in the plant and it will retard the fermentation process and therefore stop the healthful benefits. 

The magic of the fermentation process between the tea and the Scoby is that vitamins and enzymes are produced that weren’t there before. Fermentation helps the poly-phenols, tannins, and antioxidants found in the tea to become more bio available (easier for the body to absorb and use).

There has been concern over the possible alcohol and caffeine content of Kombucha, as well as the sugar that is used to make the sweet tea (nutrient solution you add to the Scoby to make Kombucha). The sugar and compounds of the tea are digested by yeast and bacteria in the fermentation process. This is fuel for the Scoby. 

In the book Kombucha by Christopher Hobbs, an instructor for the School of Natural Healing, he states “A cup of Kombucha tea (5 oz.) contains up to 5 mg. of caffeine. A strong cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. So it is not a significant source of caffeine. Kombucha tea can contain ethyl alcohol ranging from 0.4 to 1.5%, but rarely over 1%. This is a very small amount. Many beverages, even apple juice, contain minute amounts of alcohol.” 

Kombucha, for many, is a healthier alternative to soft drinks and gives a person another choice when it comes to a fermented beverage other than vinegar. This drink is a good source of probiotics and enzymes for healthy digestion and it also produces various B vitamins, even B12, and healthy amino acids.  Components of the basic brew are: Nutrient Solution (Sweet tea) + Starter Liquid (start from already brewed batch) + SCOBY + Time = Kombucha 

For more information on the constituents found in Kombucha and detailed instructions on brewing, you can purchase the book Kombucha by Christopher Hobbs from Christopher Publications. There are only a limited number of books on hand (the book is out of print) so it cannot be purchased online. To order call 888-489-0155

Mishelle Knuteson is certified in Rapid Eye Technology (RET) an emotional release therapy, teaches classes in The Art of Feminine Presence and a Master Herbalist ~ graduate of The School of Natural Healing. Mishelle currently works as an Educative Master Herbalist (MH) for The School of Natural Healing and as Office Manager of Christopher Publications.

Bookmark to: